do you flux your fittings???

[Guest123]

Don't use flux....prefer Loctite Superglue 4

 

[stevetheplumber]

pipe only up to 28 mm that way the excess doesnt go into the pipework over 28mm pipe a very light coating inside flux in systems is always something to avoid

 

[kay-jay]

Is that a job for the apprentice then ? Measuring and marking 28mm from ends of pipes

Sent from my GT-I9100 using Tapatalk

 

[TAPS GLOS]

I put plenty flux on pipes & just a smear inside fittings. Turning the pipe as i push it in to fitting if possible. But I think the secret to soldering is adding flux as you solder, usually by a little dab on end of roll of solder.

I have just finished a level 2 course and the three instructors all had different methods. The one I preferred was fluxing the inside of the fitting. While this meant an excess of flux in the fitting at least it was not pushed off the pipe to the outside. I always, always use new wire wool first, it takes but a few seconds, and I absolutely agree with the little dab of flux on the solder. In fact, on one installation I experimented and just added flux when the pipes and fitting were already in place. It worked fine, although maybe I was just lucky that time!

I only wish that there were a definitive answer

 

[antzheat]

While this meant an excess of flux in the fitting at least it was not pushed off the pipe to the outside.

I think the point is that the excess is pushed off to the outside, rather than the inside. If the pipe goes into the fitting, there is enough coating of flux.

Definitive answers would make very short posts and nothing to talk about in the pub.

 

[SafeGasInstall]

now let me ask you all engineers reading this :

How do you tight up the nuts on the rad valves ? Left hand or right hand ?Where do you hold the spanner ? how often do you use grips on rad valves how often do you do oil your spanners grips pipe cutters ?

 

[GQuigley67]

I have just finished a level 2 course and the three instructors all had different methods. The one I preferred was fluxing the inside of the fitting. While this meant an excess of flux in the fitting at least it was not pushed off the pipe to the outside. I always, always use new wire wool first, it takes but a few seconds, and I absolutely agree with the little dab of flux on the solder. In fact, on one installation I experimented and just added flux when the pipes and fitting were already in place. It worked fine, although maybe I was just lucky that time!

I only wish that there were a definitive answer

that is where you want the flux, around the outside so you get a nice neat solder joint

 

[GQuigley67]

now let me ask you all engineers reading this :

How do you tight up the nuts on the rad valves ? Left hand or right hand ?Where do you hold the spanner ? how often do you use grips on rad valves how often do you do oil your spanners grips pipe cutters ?

I use both hands when tightening rad valves and a combination of shifting spanner and pump pliers to hold against myself

havent used WD40 on my tools in ages, havent changed the wheels in my pipe cutters in ages(keep forgetting)

 

[Halesowen1]

that is where you want the flux, around the outside so you get a nice neat solder joint

You can get a nice clean solder joint however you flux. I only ever flux the fitting and never have a problem.

 

[gravytrain]

clean fitting and pipe with wire wool. flux on pipe only. works for me every time.

 

[Mike Jackson]

I never use wire wool. Strands can break off and contaminate the fitting. Much worse were the rust stains I left on a steel bath years ago after I'd cleaned a bit of pipe above it. Fortunately the stains came off with a bath rubber but it didn't look good for a while. I now use the abrasive strips or a stainless steel scourer.

 

[quality]

now let me ask you all engineers reading this :

How do you tight up the nuts on the rad valves ? Left hand or right hand ?Where do you hold the spanner ? how often do you use grips on rad valves how often do you do oil your spanners grips pipe cutters ?

I made an adjustable spanner for the rad valve which I posted a while back.
ps. I look after my tools as they look after me

 

[Phil]

Wire wool? I'd use it if I could find it!

My wire wool just disapears, I'm sick of routing around in my toolbox looking for it.

 

[GQuigley67]

i always have to go out to the van and get another bit after minutes of searching lol

 

[PlumbBobBob]

you've obviously both been visited by the wire wool goblins

 

[Phil]

you've obviously both been visited by the wire wool goblins

Yes! the same goblin who keeps nicking my 15mm ef elbows, never have any of them either no matter how many I buy.

 

[SafeGasInstall]

Yes! the same goblin who keeps nicking my 15mm ef elbows, never have any of them either no matter how many I buy.

bet you do have a pipe bender 🙂

 

[WaterTight]

wire wool is good, as long as you give the fitting a good blow after using it i don't see much risk. but i agree, it and abrasvie strips are some of the easiest things to lose. in your hand one second, in another universe the next. you'd think i'd therefore learn to put more than one clump/strip in my tool bag at a time but no...one will surely suffice this time!....bosh. gone.

 

[SafeGasInstall]

I made an adjustable spanner for the rad valve which I posted a while back.
ps. I look after my tools as they look after me

i do remember something about a spanner ...can you let us know (again)about it please

 

[twistednuts]

Wire wool is the devils pubic hair, never used that cack in years!! Its evil.
I once sliced my finger ripping a small piece off 🙁
Its definately not good for fittings and causes electrolysis in heating systems.
If it gets wet it rusts overnight, an have you ever caught it with the blow lamp? Its like bonfire night!!

Silicone carbide strips are where its at. Last for ages wet or dry, no steel splinters.

Rad valves - use 3 spanners, one turned sideways on the valve, one to hold this to stop the valve spinning, and the third to tighten the nut.

Happy days